Must-Haves for Every Building First Aid Kit

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

It is important for every building in Montclair,NJ to be fully prepared in every situation

A first aid kit is crucial to emergency preparedness and readiness. A kit will help in times of need, big and small. Every building in Montclair,NJ, should have one, not just for the safety of everyone inside but also to meet OSHA requirements.

Kit Supplies

Depending on the size of the building, the number and locations of first aid kits may vary. However, the OSHA website lists the minimum types of supplies that should be included in all building first aid kits in order to abide by the law:

• Band-aids (many different sizes)
• Three gauze pads (one at least 4 x 4 inches, two at least 8 x 10 inches)
• Tweezers
• Two bandages (triangular)
• Two elastic wraps
• Scissors
• Adhesive tape
• Two-inch gauze roller bandage
• Splint
• Latex gloves
• Resuscitation bag, mask or airway
• Moistened towelettes (or something else to clean wounds)
• Blanket
• Emergency assistance directions

The first aid kit should be placed in a waterproof bag or box, and all of the supplies should be placed in individual waterproof or plastic bags. It would be devastating if an emergency situation were to arise and all the supplies in the kit were deemed unusable. Be sure to place all supplies safely inside their kit, and place the kit in a safe location.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Directions for an emergency preparedness plan should be nearby. The plan should be well thought-out ahead of time, easy to understand, and adjusted to each specific building. Every plan should, at the very least, include a risk assessment, an evacuation plan, a building lockdown plan, a building shelter plan for severe weather, clearly marked map locations, and a protective action plan.

Cleanup and Restoration

Apart from the minimum emergency kit requirements and preparedness plan, it would be wise to also have information for cleanup and restoration on hand. Emergencies never happen when they are expected. It is important for every building in Montclair,NJ, to follow OSHA requirements, have a first aid kit for everyone’s safety, and be fully prepared in every situation.

There’s a Geyser in the House: How To Manage a Sudden Pipe Break in the Kitchen

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Air mover on a kitchen water damage in a Montclair,NJ home

You come home to find a geyser in your kitchen causing minor flooding. What do you do? Obviously, you hop on the internet and look for the answer. Well, you’re in luck. Below are the initial steps you should take after a pipe break in your kitchen.

1. Shut Off the Water

To stop a faucet from spewing water in the home, you should immediately shut off the valves under the sink. By turning off the valves, you cut off the water supply and end the unintentional geyser, thereby preventing further water damage. If the supply line is damaged below the shut-off valve then you may want to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Call Your Policy Holder

As most homeowner policies will cover flooding caused by broken pipes – as long as the damage was not caused by neglect – you can call your insurer to discuss next steps. Most insurers will require you to file a claim, which will need to be investigated by an adjuster. An adjuster will come to your home, inspect the damage, and make a recommendation to your insurer about any potential coverage.

3. Dry the Affected Area

An adjuster visit can happen quickly, or it can take a week or more. In the meantime, you can mitigate any further damage by drying the affected areas. If the exposure time was minimal, then it may be enough to dry items with mops and towels. If the exposure time was significant, then some tear out may be necessary to ensure adequate drying and to reduce the risk of mold growth.

4. Call a Restoration Specialist

Depending on the exposure time and the extent of the damage, you may want to hire a restoration specialist in Montclair, NJ, for your kitchen repair. If the damage was extensive enough to make a claim then your insurer may require professional repair anyway.

Flooding in your kitchen can be substantial if left unchecked. While it is possible to catch this type of disaster early and prevent extensive repair, the expanse of the pipe break may determine if you require professional assistance, especially if filing a claim.

What To Expect Immediately After A Home Flooding Incident

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage in a Danbury,CT home

Any household that experiences a water damage emergency will jump to drastic conclusions about the potential water in home damage and mitigation requirements that follow. The truth is, most water in home flood damage can be addressed without extreme mitigation measures, or radical alterations to the way a home operates. 

When flood damage is noticed, the first step in water damage restoration and drying is to contact the home insurance group responsible for taking care of water cleanup and emergency expenses. The next step is letting a water cleanup crew begin the process of water damage restoration.

The first reaction of a homeowner when water damage happens is extreme shock and questions about water cleanup. How could this type of emergency happen? The most common causes of flooding in the home originate with appliances like clothes washers, air conditioners, and water heaters. All homes use these appliances, so flooding should not be completely unexpected. The shock comes from not knowing how water damage restoration in the home will be addressed. This is where water in home expert damage assessment is needed most.

After reporting a significant event involving water in home saturation to an insurance carrier, the following steps will be taken.

First, there must be a thorough survey taken about the extent of water damage in the home, or water in business areas. This involves a team taking various types of mechanical and visual readings in the affected areas. These teams will use a variety of methods to detect the extent of water in business, or home areas throughout important structures. Readings will determine how far water has seeped into placed like floor substructures, carpeting, wall features, and electrical conduits. This monitoring is performed using various digital sensors that are capable of detecting moisture in the slightest amounts.

After a water in business and home flood damage team has conducted a damage survey, it will fit a room for air movement treatments. This involves the careful placement of air movement industrial fans throughout an affected area. These fans will dry affected surfaces and prepare damaged areas for reconstruction. This drying process could take between two days and a week to complete. Though the home will have to deal with the sound of strong fans running continually, their presence is necessary to properly address concerns. 

Once air movement protocols and drying is complete, repairs to the affected areas can begin. These repairs can include floor stripping and resurfacing, floor truss replacement, and realignment of appliance water supply hookups with general water cleanup. The process of complete restoration after water damage occurs can take several weeks, but is necessary to remove all damaged materials and create an accurate report to insurance carriers. 

Water is one of the most destructive elements that can compromise a home's integrity. Any significant flood damage event should be assessed by a qualified water mitigation team that is versed in dealing with water in business and home insurance reporting. 

The process of providing air movement, mitigation, drying, and repairing damage to a home after a water incident can interrupt some aspects of normal living, but it is the surest way to restore structures, remove health hazards, remove unwanted moisture, return appliances to normal working order, and satisfy demands from insurance carriers. Never let water damage sit for long periods, and only let qualified and experienced water damage crews address emergencies and the details of water damage restoration. Visit http://www.SERVPROmontclairwestorange.com for more information on water damage and restoration.

Category 2 Water Damage: What You Should Know

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in a Glen Ridge, NJ home

Are you a business owner in Glen Ridge, NJ, who is considering how to handle a broke pipe that flooded your structure? If so, you may be dealing with Category 2 water damage and wondering what it means for you and your business. Read on to learn more about the different categories and what you can do about water pipe repair and moisture damage.

Different Levels of Damage

There are typically three recognized levels of water damage that can affect your building. They are described as follows:

• Category 1 damage, from clean water sources such as a broken pipe (white water)
• Category 2 damage, which involves clean water that sit for too long (gray water)
• Category 3 damage – this is the type of damage that is most concerning, as it can be contaminated and lead to mold and other issues that threaten your building’s structural soundness (black water)

Category 1 water reaches the Category 2 level when it is unaddressed for extended periods of time. For instance, white water that travels downward over time through building materials can become gray water, which may lead to fungal growth and other concerns if not mitigated in a timely manner. If you found clean water on your second floor, it may travel to the first floor and become Category 2 water. Water pipe repair becomes urgently important at this time to avoid further issues.

What Can Be Done

Broken pipes or other wetness issues need to be handled as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Water pipe repair can be completed by a trusted repair person; Category 2 water matters should usually be turned over to water damage mitigation technicians who understand how and where mold growth and other headache-inducing matters can come into play whenever flooding or water damage is present. Do not expect the issue to resolve itself; protect your commercial property by taking action and finding the right professionals to get your building back in shape.

Salvaging Your Home after a Flood: What It Means to Be Flood Clean

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded basement from a severe storm in a West Orange, NJ home

A flood can destroy many items in your home, covering them with mud and other contaminated substances. Understanding the various methods of restoring your home and other cleaning requirements can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few simple steps you can follow to help make the process more accessible and to deem yourself flood clean.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company before beginning the cleanup process. Many insurance companies prefer that homeowners go about the cleaning process systematically by first documenting any damage or property loss. The homeowner should take pictures, collect any receipts, and write down approximate values of any lost items, making the adjustment process easier.

2. Cleaning of Nonporous Surfaces

After a flood, clean and dry all nonporous surfaces. As there is likely no such thing as a flood disinfectant, you can choose a heavy-duty cleaner, like bleach, to scrub down and kill any harmful bacteria. Additionally, you can use fans and dehumidifiers to help in the drying process of your home.

3. Cleaning of Porous Surfaces

Unfortunately, many porous surfaces, like mattresses, will likely have to be thrown away after a flood because of the level of bacteria that can be found in floodwaters. However, some things, like upholstered or wood furniture, may be able to be professionally cleaned. As cleaning requirements vary, it is hard to specify what can be salvaged without further investigation.

4. Inspecting Other Household Elements

After taking care of the cleanup and drying out of your home, you should inspect any electrical systems to ensure that they are free of damage. Depending on the level of flood water, the damage may have been extensive requiring a certified electrician.

5. Asking for Help

Floods are devastating and the cleanup process can be difficult and time-consuming, but no one says you have to go it alone. While the flood cleaning process can be overwhelming, you can look for restoration specialists in the West Orange, NJ, area for assistance.

While a flood is destructive and devastating, there is still hope that you can salvage many of your belongings; however, you should ensure that you are aware of any cleaning requirements by your insurance company and your local municipality before beginning the process of restoring your home.

Facts About Residential Mold

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Severe mold damage in Montclair, NJ

If you're a homeowner in Montclair, NJ, you've probably encountered mold of one type or another. Mold can cause big trouble or be relatively harmless; the severity of the problem has to do with many environmental factors. But whether they're causing mold damage in a bathroom, mildew growth in a damp cupboard, or even moldy bread, mold spores are everywhere.

How It Gets In

Mold is a fungus that can be found both outdoors and indoors. The spores have several ways of entering a home, including:

• Air conditioning systems
• Heating systems
• Windows
• Vents
• Open doorways

Attached to:
o Pets
o Bags
o Shoes
o Clothing

Where Mold Grows in the Home

Mold grows where there are leaky pipes, or where rain is getting in through holes in the roof or through a window that isn't sealed properly. It thrives anywhere there is a lot of moisture. Mold can grow on a wide variety of mediums, including drywall, wallpaper, carpeting, upholstery, ceiling tiles, and all sorts of wood and paper products. Unsurprisingly, mold growth can occur in places that are not easily seen, like behind wallpaper or underneath carpet padding.

How to Prevent Mold

The best way to prevent mold damage is to make sure your house is free of leaks and there is no moisture on which the mold can grow. If there is a high level of humidity in your home, try to decrease it by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Making sure your house is well ventilated can also go a long way toward preventing mold growth. Using exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can also keep moisture in check. Make sure these fans, as well as your clothes dryer vent, are venting to the outside.

If you find mold in your home, it should be removed right away, before it has a chance to get worse. If you suspect that you have mold damage that you can't detect, it's always a good idea to have an inspection done by a mold remediation professional.

Protect Your Building with Routine Sprinkler Inspections and Maintenance

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fire loss on microwave in a Glen Ridge, NJ home

Fire sprinkler systems are very reliable and rarely activate for defective reasons. A sprinkler head works by sensing a specific level of heat in the area and releasing water on the exact location of the fire.

How do you know if your system is ready for a fire?

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) publishes a set of guidelines, known as NFPA 25, that address the inspection, testing and maintenance needed to make sure your system remains reliable.

Testing, maintenance, and annual inspections should be completed by a qualified professional, but monthly inspections can easily be conducted by the property owner or a designated representative with assistance from the manufacturer's instructions. Monthly inspections should include these components of the system:

• Valves
• Gauges
• Main drain
• Waterflow alarm devices

Whenever you are conducting an inspection, maintenance or test, you need to communicate that to the appropriate parties in Glen Ridge, NJ, including your building occupants, alarm company, fire department or others.

There are different types of systems but the most common is the wet system. For that type of fire suppression system, a property owner should secure a qualified professional to conduct some annual maintenance and tests. They will follow standards to ensure your system is ready when needed.

Sprinkler manufacturers test their products to high standards, ensuring their products are reliable. Most wet sprinkler systems will last decades with proper maintenance. You can count on them to save lives and save costly property. If a fire sprinkler is activated, you may need water mitigation services, but wet sprinkler systems will only activate the sprinkler at the location of the fire. This not only saves you from fire damage, but it limits the amount of fire sprinkler cleanup that is needed after the fire is put out.

Be sure to contact the manufacturer and get their literature on performing monthly inspections. A fire sprinkler system is so effective at saving lives and property, you certainly want to do all you can to make sure it is ready when needed.

4 Tips for Removing Standing Water From Your Building

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Air remover on a flooded basement in a West Orange, NJ home

Storms in West Orange, NJ, can bring a lot of water with them. With so much excess water, it's not all that surprising when your commercial building ends up with standing water in its lower levels. Even though it is not a shock, it can still be a challenge to deal with. Working with a team that has the specialized equipment needed to remove standing water can make this entire process a little easier.

Keep these four tips in mind as you try to tackle this remediation.

1. Call in the experts. Your first step should be to call in a commercial storm damage repair team. This crew of professionals can help you remove standing water, repair damage and prevent the same flooding from happening again. The teams can also make sure the project is done quickly.
2. Consider the water. If your basement is full of plain water, you may be able to use a simple pump to suck the floods out of the space. However, if there's any sludge mixed in with the liquid, you may need to turn to a trash pump instead.
3. Remove all humidity. Once you have the standing water out of your building, the project isn't quite over. You still need to make sure all of the excess moisture is sucked from your space. Using special equipment, such as a dehumidifier, can help with this task.
4. Install a new pump. If you have a sump pump in your basement, you may need a new one after dealing a two-foot flood. If you didn't have a pump, installing one may help you avoid more flooding in the future.

You can never predict what type of damage a storm is going to do to your commercial building. You can, however, make sure you work with a trained team that has access to a wide range of equipment if your property is affected by a storm.

Fixing Your Flooded Basement

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Air scrubber on a water loss in a Montclair, NJ home

Being a homeowner in Montclair, NJ, means tackling whatever challenges arise. In the case of a basement flood, there are steps you can take to fix it when it happens. Prior to acting, you may want to call your insurance company to see what exactly is authorized under your coverage.

Restoration Actions

Before undertaking the below steps to restore your flooded home, try to assess the level of water. If possible, attempt to determine the source of the water.

• Turn off the power. Even if power is already out at your house, it could be restored while you’re touching water, so be sure to shut down the electricity supply before entering the basement. If your power supply source is in the basement and you would have to walk through water to reach it, you should call a professional to avoid risk of electrocution.
• After the power is off, remove all the standing water. Depending on the level of water, your tools may be buckets, towels, fans, and/or a wet-dry vacuum. Once the water has been eliminated, try to erase all signs of the basement flood by cleaning and drying the area. A dehumidifier will also be beneficial to remove the moisture from the flooded space.
• Take inventory of items that have gotten wet. Transport them to an area where they can dry. Even if you make the decision to dispose of unsalvageable objects, take a picture of them in case your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing them. Most electrical and mechanical appliances will need to be discarded and exchanged. Walls and flooring that have been waterlogged will most likely need to be extracted and updated.

Going Forward

After emptying the space of water and belongings, take stock of damaged areas such as your foundation, pipes, or sump pump. A future flood may be prevented by maintaining or upgrading any outdated or broken supplies. If the issue recurs, an expert may need to be consulted.

Don't let a basement flood leave you swimming in stress. Follow these simple steps to prevent headaches now — and perhaps in the future too.

Ice Dams Can Cause Costly Interior Water Damage

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

It’s important to take a hands-on approach in dealing with an ice dam.

Icicles forming at the edge of a roofline may have a certain wintery charm to them, but they may also be a sign of imminent structural damage. When a ridge of ice forms along the edge of a roof, it’s called an ice dam. It can cause two things to happen. First, its excessive weight on exterior structures, such as gutters, may pull them off and cause them to fall to the ground. Bigger and more insidious issues, however, are interior mold damage and mold cleanup.

1. How the Trouble Begins

It can happen in Montclair, NJ. It can happen anywhere. Melting snow on a roof may not be draining properly because ice is blocking it. Water that sits on any roof can find its way inside the structure through small cracks and crevices. Unfortunately, this isn’t always apparent when it’s occurring.

2. Infiltrating Water Finds a New Home

Ice dams can cause water to wind its way down through the roof and into warm areas below. It can travel into drywall, insulation and other parts of an attic or crawl space. Under these conditions, mold can flourish. This includes even black mold which can be a tough one to get rid of and is a big concern to most building owners.

3. What You Can Do About It

Ice on the roof is very treatable when dealt with promptly. First, carefully remove what snow you can from the roof. In the process, be sure not to hurt the roof or yourself. If possible, remove debris from gutters. Gently tap in different sections of the ice dam to break it up. If that seems like an impossible task, apply calcium chloride to melt the ice. Place it in and along the length of the gutter. Don’t use salt. It can be corrosive.

It’s important to take a hands-on approach in dealing with an ice dam. If your mold growth still isn't going away after several attempts at removing the ice, it may be time to contact professionals in mold remediation. By addressing any issues promptly, you can potentially avoid a more extensive and expensive cleanup. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROmontclairwestorange.com/.